There is a long tradition in British history of Mummer’s Plays – folkloric parables, stories and satires – performed for the benefit of the working classes by mostly itinerant actors. Walsall has seen a revival of this very old tradition in recent years with the plays written by former Walsall Wood teacher and local arts supremo Dave Calcutt.
The tales are based on a mysterious set of historical artefacts belonging to the town called The Bayards Colts, and are performed by The Cart Before The Horse Theatre Company, consisting of lots of great folk including the irrepressible Glen Buglass, who does so much for the arts in Walsall.
My first experience of the show was at the Night Market last month, and the stories were hilarious and entertaining, and beautifully acted. There’s another chance to catch the first in the series of plays – Robin Hood and the Giant – this weekend.
A fine bunch or rogues… Glen Buglass and the rest of the crew carry on a fine tradition.
The show is in Walsall on Saturday 31st August at the marketplace at 11:00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm. Inside the Black Country Arms nearby that afternoon local Zydeco group, Knocksville Highway will be playing live.
The last show of Robin Hood this year is on the following Sunday, 1st September 2013 at Bookmark Bloxwich, Bloxwich Library at 2.30pm. Tickets for the Bloxwich show are £5.00. All the others are free.
For details, call Glen Buglass on 07908 472862 or Bloxwich Library on 01922 655900.
Thanks to Stuart Williams, whose excellent Bloxwich Telegraph I purloined most of this info from…
What a great flyer! Click for a larger version.